When size matters…

So here we are…we find ourselves at one of the most awaited times of the year for many fashion aficionados: sales season. 

It seems a bit of a contradiction that after the Holidays, when the message of embracing the important things in life seems to grow stronger year after year, it comes a time when consumerism takes over and becomes the word of the day. Come to think of it, in a time when the economic crisis seems to find its way into everyday conversations, the idea of one holding on to his savings in order to purchase items at half the price seems appropriate.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a bargain every bit as much as the next guy, but I couldn’t help to be astonished when I saw Boxing Day footage from across the globe: hundreds of people waiting in line for hours, outside major retailers such as Selfridges, waiting for their chance to get hold of 50% off designer clothes…a minor detail: it was around -5ºC in London! It’s bad enough in a Summery city of the Southern Hemisphere, like Sydney, where people endured this trial in a 30ºC weather, but withstanding this ordeal while freezing cold just seems utterly unreasonable…The footage went on to show the opening of the doors, which reflected the shopping spree climax: a stampede of deranged eager to spend consumers made their way up the escalators, pushing and shoving everyone in their path.

I won’t get into the whole “how much is too much” debate, as I believe it has been covered enough times; instead I’ll simply state why, in my opinion, it’s so much better to shop at smaller independent boutiques.

If, like me, you are a loyal customer of a few select stores, chances are that you’ve developed a special bond with the shop owner or employees, which by itself, makes the whole shopping experience all the more pleasant. This is particularly important come sales season, as your preference and loyalty will most likely be rewarded in the form of a “pre-sale” invitation, prior to the official public announcement. If you weigh your options, I believe the scale tips towards this kind of stores…in comparison:

- No waiting in line for hours;

- No getting bumped or pushed by strangers;

- Special treatment makes you feel at home;

- Access to items before sales are officially announced;

- Better selection of pieces: if you are a regular client at the store, you’ll most likely enjoy their selection, which increases the chances of buying something you actually love and will wear, instead of roaming through endless clothe-filled aisles and floors at major retailers, struggling to find something;

- No pressure: you can take your time shopping without worrying if one of the other 2000 people will snatch the exact piece you want or one just like it;

- More exclusive pieces: less likely to run into someone wearing the same outfit as you, as independent stores have a much more limited stock.

At least in my book, this sounds so much better…how about you, what’s your take on this?